A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)
A Chicago man was arrested on firearms charges Thursday, months after a shootout in broad daylight left one man dead and others injured on the city’s West Side and sparked a public clash between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
Thomas Dean, 20, was charged Thursday with three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon stemming from the Oct. 1, 2021 shootout in the 1200 block of North Mason Avenue. Foxx described the weapon Dean used as a “machine gun,” and said he faces possible sentences of six to 30 years on each count if convicted.
“To the criminals who think they can shoot up neighborhoods without any regard for the sanctity of life, we will be relentless in holding you accountable,” Lightfoot said.
Police said occupants in two vehicles opened fire on a residence on Mason Avenue, before people inside the home returned fire. Devlin Addison, 32, was killed in the shooting.
The charges were announced Thursday afternoon at a press conference with Police Superintendent David Brown, Foxx and Lightfoot.
That trio have presented a more united front in recent weeks, repeatedly making press appearances together, after the city and state’s attorney sparred back and forth last year over issues including charging decisions and pretrial release.
This case in particular struck a nerve on both sides. Days after the shooting, Lightfoot claimed there was enough evidence present to file criminal charges. Foxx said she was “quite honestly mortified” by the mayor’s comments, calling it “wrong” for Lightfoot to publicly push for criminal charges in the shooting “without the benefit of all of the evidence.”
Foxx on Thursday said investigators have since gathered additional scientific and forensic evidence that led to Dean’s arrest. She added that additional charges are also expected to be filed against another suspect in the coming days.
Lightfoot said emotions were high after the shootout, which she said resembled something out of a “wild wild west movie.” But she did acknowledge that it’s ultimately up to Foxx and her office to make charging decisions against any suspect.
“We may not agree on every issue or every time,” Lightfoot said, “but make no mistake, we are united in our shared mission to make all our neighborhoods safe.”
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
